Predator Nutrition : Predator Ursolic Acid Natural Muscle Builder

Ursolic acid is a chemical compound that is found in plants as part of the class of pentacyclic triterpene acids. Ursolic acid has multiple benefits within the body which has been supported by anecdotal research, with studies thus far promising.

Research has shown that ursolic acid was able to block part of the muscle wastage cycle when mice were severely underfed. This inhibition of the pathway helped the mice to retain more muscle mass whilst also increasing fat loss. This may be due to increasing expression of muscular IGF-1 gene (associated with insulin). This is supported by human research. In one study, on individuals who were well physically trained, an 8 week protocol of ursolic acid supplementation resulted in 22.8% increase in serum IGF-1 when compared to placebo [1].

The same study showed an increase in strength and power output [1]. We can therefore hypothesise that an individual using ursolic acid might be able to build more muscle in a gaining phase through progressive overload and also maintain more muscle in a deficit. As a natural muscle builder, usolic acid was shown to be successful in preventing muscle atrophy (breakdown) diseases in rats. In fact, the rats gained muscle mass and reduced body weight and visceral fat [2]. It has been compared to other natural muscle builders such as phosphatidic acid and epicatechins (both found in Adamantine) for its ability to attenuate skeletal muscle adaptations to endurance and strength training. [3]

Looking more closely at fat burning, ursolic acid might assist your cut by other means. Ursolic acid works similarly to other glucose disposal agents (GDAs) by helping the body to utilize insulin better to utilize carbohydrates as energy rather than storing them in fat cells; making this compound perfect for both muscle mass gains and fat loss. Several rat studies have shown positive findings for UA, sometimes in combination with other supplements, for improving excess circulating insulin and inflammation associated with diabetes and obesity [4][5].

For males who use prohormones, ursolic acid may also block the activity of aromatase so it is able to control estrogen levels; preventing some side effects associated with their use [6]. This is certainly not to rule out female use however! Being non-hormonal, UA is suitable for both male and female use, without need for cycling or post-cycle therapy (PCT).

We expect to see a huge increase in popularity in this ingredient as word spreads about its many benefits. Being so versitile, this may be used at any time of the year and incorporated into a stack designed around your goals, such as with natural muscle builders or fat burners. 

[1] Bang, H., Seo, D., Chung, Y., Oh, K., Park, J., Arturo, F., Jeong, S., Kim, N. and Han, J., 2014. Ursolic Acid-Induced Elevation of Serum Irisin Augments Muscle Strength During Resistance Training in Men. The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, 18(5), p.441.

[2] Kim, J., Kang, Y., Noh, E., Seo, B., Seo, D., Park, G. and Kim, S., 2018. Concurrent treatment with ursolic acid and low-intensity treadmill exercise improves muscle atrophy and related outcomes in rats. The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, 22(4), p.427.

[3] Close, G., Hamilton, D., Philp, A., Burke, L. and Morton, J., 2016. New strategies in sport nutrition to increase exercise performance. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 98, pp.144-158.

[4] Alkreathy, H. and Ahmad, A., 2020. Catharanthus roseus Combined with Ursolic Acid Attenuates Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes through Insulin Secretion and Glycogen Storage. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, pp.1-8.

[5] González-Garibay, A., López-Vázquez, A., García-Bañuelos, J., Sánchez-Enríquez, S., Sandoval-Rodríguez, A., Del Toro Arreola, S., Bueno-Topete, M., Muñoz-Valle, J., González Hita, M., Domínguez-Rosales, J., Armendáriz-Borunda, J. and Bastidas-Ramírez, B., 2020. Effect of Ursolic Acid on Insulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinemia in Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity: Role of Adipokines Expression. Journal of Medicinal Food, 23(3), pp.297-304.

[6] Gnoatto, S., Dassonville-Klimpt, A., Da Nascimento, S., Galéra, P., Boumediene, K., Gosmann, G., Sonnet, P. and Moslemi, S., 2008. Evaluation of ursolic acid isolated from Ilex paraguariensis and derivatives on aromatase inhibition. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 43(9), pp.1865-1877.